(NewsUSA) - On one hand, you have aging parents less able to care for themselves every day. On the other, your own children with schedules so difficult you can't find a spare minute. And you're caught in between.
You're not alone. You're part of the over 20 million Americans "sandwiched" in between generations, caring for both your own children and your parents.
As a "sandwiched" caregiver, you often bear the brunt of the financial and emotional strain that occurs when the needs of your aging parents must be balanced with those of your children.
If you are faced with this situation, an abundance of resources are available to help when you can't always be there:
* Eldercare Services: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging's mission is to help older persons, and those with disabilities, live with dignity and choices in their own homes and communities as long as possible. A variety of tools may be found at www.n4a.org.
* Mom's Meals: Mom's Meals brings convenience and good nutrition to independent seniors by preparing, packaging and shipping fresh-made, ready-to-eat meals directly to a customer's door. Whether still in their own home, homebound after a health crisis, or even in an assisted living facility, these meals are created by chefs and dietitians to meet the nutritional needs of seniors, and include options for low-sodium, low-fat or low-carb diets. Visit www.momsmeals.com or call 866-971-6667.
* National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers: Having difficulty assessing your parents' medical needs and finances? Check out www.caremanager.org. It will help you identify local programs and services to meet those needs.
* National Association for Home Care & Hospice. If your parents have become unable to fully care for themselves, yet they would prefer to remain independent, home health care may be the answer. The site www.nahc.org helps navigate the options.